This Issue |
By Dayanti Karunaratne
“What’s summer like on a reserve?” That’s the question that sparked “Portrait of a Powwow”, a photo essay by documentary photographer David Trattles. The end result might not answer the question, but by sharing the backstory, I hope also to share some things I learned along the way.
In fact, before my colleague Matt Harrison posed the question, we ran a story about Indigenous artist Jamie Koebel (“A Voice Among the Thousands”, Holiday 2016). In addition to recounting traumatic events, Jamie spoke of summers “catching bumblebees with her uncle and jumping off the big dock at the lake.” It was these images that made me realize that positive, powerful stories of Indigenous life need to be told. I am in no way saying we shouldn’t keep talking about trauma and inequality and the persistent problem of drinking water in First Nations communities. But people — both Indigenous and non-Indigenous — need to hear the splash, see those ecstatic eyes emerging from the lake, feel that happiness and pride.
We knew from the start that we needed a partner, a guide, connected to Kitigan Zibi. And we quickly found one, by recommendation of CBC journalist Waubgeshig Rice. Shady Hafez (right) is an Algonquin Anishinabe Syrian member of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg who grew up in Ottawa and recently moved back to the reserve. He set up a community meeting and toured me around the reserve; he also directed me to Bob Joseph’s Indigenous Corporate Training website, where I found resources like “26 Ways to Derail Your Indigenous Community Meeting”. Once David Trattles was on board, the vision became clearer, as I knew he’d bring a sensitive, fresh approach. However, our plan took a turn when our editorial calendar changed, cancelling our summer issue. I was gutted, but Shady and David took it in stride (perhaps because freelancers are all too familiar with project cuts).
It was 10 months later when we saw our chance: the Annual Traditional Powwow was approaching, and we still had space in our September issue. Luckily, David and Shady were available, and it all came together, in my view, quite beautifully. While different from our original concept, by focusing on the powwow, the piece offers outsiders a glimpse of traditional powwow culture. For insiders, those who dance and drum and bead and organize and travel the Powwow Trail, I hope it’s a fitting tribute to an important cultural practice. As Shady writes, the event spreads the message that, despite everything they have gone through, these people are “still dancing, singing, and praying as their ancestors once did.”
Also in this issue: 101 Tastes is back! For the third time, our food writers have combed the city and come up with a diverse array of food and drink suggestions that represent the local scene. Stunningly photographed by Christian Lalonde, the result is a feast for the eyes sure to tempt your tastebuds.